I'm really not a dummy (or am I)?, but I have searched engines and coin forums and cannot find specific instructions on how to pack coins for shipping (to PCGS, NCG, etc). I'm completely new to this, and am getting ready to send my first shipment to PCGS, and all I can find is that I'm to enclose the coins in mylar flips, seal the package with tape, etc. I've already had one coin fall out of the mylar flip, and feel that I shouldn't just pack the flips in a box and send them off. Just how do you pack them in a box, envelope, etc.? And can I send gold coins in the snap case from the mint, or do I have to take them out?
The coins will be just fine in the flips, it's how you pack the flips that keeps them safe. I suggest that you use - Saf-T-Mailers - just scroll down a little. They ask that you do not ship them in mint holders, but if you do I believe they charge you $1 each to remove the coins.
I often receive coins that are mailed to me in bubble envelopes, with the coin placed between two pieces of cardboard [of the same sort a box is made out of] inside the envelop. It seems to work. Regarding the gold coins, I would just pay the extra dollar to have them remove the coin rather than risk damaging it myself. I'd rather be angry with them than angry with me.
I am learning, but it sure seems hard sometimes. I took my PCGS coins to a Mail Chute to send, was told that they couldn't send Registered Mail to a PO Box (PGCS's), so I would have to go to a post office. The Post Office said I couldn't send Registered Mail for a box with the cellophane tape put on by the Mail Chute, so I would have to repack it or just send Priority Mail. With the long lines at the Post Office, I just sent it Insured by Priority Mail. Is anything easy when it comes to dealing with coins?
To send it Registered you have to put the brown paper take on all of edges of the box...I use the normal tape and then put the brown paper tape over top of it.... BUT that was when I sent a box that needed Registered Mail....when I'm sending coins to a grading Company I just send them the best way I can...that has been Insured Priority mail in one of the Flat Rate Envelope for $4.05....so I have used First Class along with insureance for about $5 total. Speedy
Thanks for the remarks- Why don't one of you knowledgeable guys write a post on the FAQ or similar forum to list the entire procedure that guys like me now have to look all over for- something like "Cracking, grading, and Shipping". (How to crack proof/uncirculated coins sets, handle them while grading, and preparing them for shipment to a grading company?). I know it sounds like a lot, but it would save a lot of newbie time to be able to get all this info in one spot. I was scared to death of cracking my first proof set, then seemed to have trouble handling the coins with white cotton gloves. -how DO you manage to touch only the edge when the coin keeps slipping? -If you do lightly touch the coin with cotton gloves does it damage the coin? -Does placing the coin on a cotton cloth cause any damage? -Does sliding the coin into a mylar flip cause any damage? I'm probably over-cautious, but the coin posts seem to imply that the grading companies pick up on the slightest possibility of the coin touching anything. Are these things that experienced coiners just manage to avoid?
To be honest with you Ron there would be so much to write and so many subjects to cover that it would almost impossible to do so. But then that's why Coin Resources was created. You can find the answers to most questions in there, and for those you can't find either search the forum or just ask away.
Lol, welcome to the crackout game. IMO, it's easiest to send coins however they are packaged or slabbed and let a professional grading company crack them out safely for an additional dollar. Better safe than sorry.
I completely agree with this whenever it is possible, even if there is a small additional charge for it. And, ProofRon, you are not a dummy and are not asking stupid questions. I am frequently amazed at some of the picky little rules the post office has for shipping various items. I've even received different answers to questions about the exact same postal service at the two post offices nearest to me -- one says they can do it, the other says they can't. Go figure.
